Saint Louis Park Energy Benchmarking

In December 2019, the city council passed the Efficient Building Benchmarking ordinance to support the Climate Action Plan’s midterm goal of reducing energy consumption in large commercial buildings by 30% by 2030. The ordinance requires commercial, multifamily, and public buildings over 25,000 square feet to report annual whole-building energy and water use.

While the approximately 275 buildings affected represent less than 2% of St. Louis Park’s total building count, the ordinance will create benchmarks for approximately 52% of the total building square footage in the city.

The data reported will be used to:

• Benchmark energy consumption

• Compare energy usage

• Identify places for energy improvements

• Empower property owners to compare the performance of their building over time, neighboring buildings, and industry standards.

If you own or manage a public city, commercial, or multifamily building of at least 25,000 square feet, you are required to comply.

Your building may qualify for an exemption if any of the following apply:

• The property is presently experiencing qualifying financial distress such that the property is the subject of a qualified tax lien sale or public auction due to property tax arrearages, the property is controlled by a court-appointed receiver based on financial distress, the property is owned by a financial institution through default by the borrower, the property has been acquired by a deed in lieu of foreclosure, or the property has a senior mortgage which is subject to a notice of default; or

• The property or areas of the property subject to the requirements of this section have been less than fifty (50) percent occupied during the calendar year for which benchmarking is required; or

• The property does not have a certificate of occupancy or temporary certificate of occupancy for all twelve (12) months of the calendar year for which benchmarking is required.

The city requires building owners to report their energy and water usage annually via the ENERGY STAR® Portfolio Manager tool by June 1st.

All energy utilities including electricity, natural gas, district energy, and any other purchased fuel type used to operate your building.

Water is another utility required for reporting.

The fines for non-compliance constitute a misdemeanor offense.

Building owners must report their energy usage data to EPA’s Portfolio Manager, a reporting tool that allows building owners to compare their building’s energy efficiency with similar buildings.

However:

• Touchstone IQ for Buildings is a fast, easy-to-use tool that integrates directly with EPA’s Portfolio Manager

• Touchstone IQ also offers expert-led benchmarking to building owners and managers looking for streamlined compliance and cost-saving recommendations

Many benchmarking ordinances require a Building ID as part of the report submission process. If needed, you may be able to find your Building ID number here.

• Saint Louis Park Efficient Building Benchmarking Program

• Saint Louis Park's Efficient Building Benchmarking Ordinance

Touchstone IQ for Buildings offers expert-led benchmarking and easy DIY tools for Saint Louis Park’s large properties. Simplify energy benchmarking compliance while gaining the tools to save money and build your energy intelligence with our exclusive software platform. Gain access to the nation's leading energy experts to ensure significant improvements in your energy usage for your commercial, multifamily, or public building. Our team has partnered with entities of all sizes to reduce their carbon footprint, reach ambitious targets, and comply with new regulations. Whether you're looking for comprehensive, step-by-step guidance to craft your energy management plan or a convenient, intuitive benchmarking solution, we've got you covered. Schedule your free personalized demo today or contact us for pricing or questions.